Sign Up and Save

"The next question was what could I do, or we do as a family, for income?," he said.

Donna's daughters, Brianna and Shana Smith, both in their early 20s, had been working as baristas at a Pasco coffee shop for several years.

"They had been talking about opening their own espresso stand so we thought why not invest in the girls?" Gammon said. "We would never have thought of opening Java Jet without the girls and their experience."

The four are now partners, with two part-time baristas.

They found an empty lot in Kennewick, leased it and built Java Jet at 5225 W. Canal Drive, near the Edison Street intersection.

"It was quite an experience. I have a business degree but I never realized what's involved in opening a business. There were so many hoops to jump through," he said.

Java Jet opened last week and specializes in organic, free-trade coffee beans.

"Doma organic beans really do make the best coffee. It's very smooth," said Gammon.

The menu also includes smoothies, tea and juices, as well as bagels and muffins.